State Council sets restrictions for government office buildings

A draft regulation on the construction of office buildings by government agencies and organizations was adopted at the State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on Aug 18.

This is an important step in further promoting clean governance, and is aimed at establishing a long-term mechanism to facilitate supervision in this field, according to Premier Li.

After taking office, Premier Li promised that no new office buildings by government departments will be built during his administration.

The draft placed strict restrictions on building, renovating, and purchasing offices by government agencies, public organizations and institutions. It clarified that training centers, reception venues or facilities, and those that are built in the name of improving business and techniques will be banned.

Groups, institutions and SOEs that are entitled to government allowance also should follow the regulation when building or renovating office halls, the regulation stated.

Premier Li pointed out that related departments should strengthen supervision, crack down upon any illegal activities and trace accountability.

Construction projects that are prohibited, unnecessary, or involve illegal financial resources will not be approved, according to the regulation. The projects should be financed through a specialized budget, instead of funds from staff members, bank loans or other channels, such as sponsorship or donations

In addition, the draft declared that information about construction should be made available to the public. Any violation of the regulation must be stopped and corrected, and construction projects involved should be auctioned or vacated, while people who are in charge of the project should shoulder the corresponding responsibility.

“Instead of expanding government spending, financial resources should be mainly used for economic development and improving people’s well-being,” Premier Li said.